A Comprehensive Guide to Prebuilt Dropshipping Stores (2023 Edition)
Ever dreamt of stepping into the e-commerce arena but got cold feet thinking about the nitty-gritty of starting from scratch?
Well, hold onto your hats because prebuilt dropshipping stores are here to turn that frown upside down!
These ready-to-rock platforms are like a magic carpet ride into the world of online sales – no product hunting, no inventory headaches, just pure selling bliss.
Whether you’re an e-commerce whiz-kid expanding your empire, or a greenhorn looking to dip your toes in the digital marketplace, a pre-built dropshipping store could be your golden ticket!
Let’s go!
Understanding Prebuilt Stores
If the world of e-commerce was a video game, prebuilt dropshipping stores would be the ultimate cheat code.
But what exactly are they?
Simply put, prebuilt dropshipping stores are ready-to-launch e-commerce platforms. They come pre-equipped with all the essential ingredients for a successful online business: a sleek website design, a curated selection of products, and established supplier relationships. It’s like buying a furnished house, ready for you to move in and start living your dream.
But why are they so useful? Well, setting up an e-commerce store from scratch can be a complex task. It’s not just about creating a website; you need to source products, build relationships with suppliers, manage inventories, and handle shipping complexities. This is where ready made stores swoop in to save the day. They allow you to bypass these initial hurdles and hit the ground running.
You don’t need to be an e-commerce wizard to start your online business. These platforms are like a springboard, propelling you into the online marketplace with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time business owner. Dropshipping stores can be the game-changer that helps you leapfrog the competition and carve your niche in the e-commerce landscape.
Types of Prebuilt Dropshipping Stores
Just like there are different cars for different drivers, there are different types of prebuilt ecommerce stores to cater to various entrepreneurial needs.
Brand-New
Think of brand-new stores as blank canvases. These stores are freshly built, with a clean and modern website design, but they’re yet to have products added or any sales made. They’re perfect for entrepreneurs who wish to have a hands-on experience in shaping their store, right from selecting the product range to developing marketing strategies. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a “DIY” approach, then this is the type of store for you!
Turnkey
Turnkey dropshipping stores are the ‘plug-and-play’ solution in the world of e-commerce. These stores are fully set up and ready to go, stocked with products from reliable suppliers. They come with all the necessary features and functions for an e-commerce store, including payment gateways, shipping settings, and sometimes even SEO-optimized product descriptions. If you want to skip the hassles of setup and jump straight into the action, turnkey dropshipping stores are your best bet.
Already-Running
Already-running dropshipping stores are the seasoned veterans of the prebuilt store world. These are established stores with a track record of sales and customer data. They’re the ideal choice if you’re looking to step into a business that’s already generating revenue. While they can be more expensive than the other types, they offer the advantage of proven viability and established customer base.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Prebuilt Stores
Embarking on your e-commerce journey with a prebuilt store can feel like having a secret weapon. But as with all things, these stores come with their share of pros and cons. Let’s weigh them up to help you make an informed decision:
Benefits
Hassle-Free Setup: One of the biggest advantages of prebuilt, is the ease of setup. Forget about the technical complexities of building a website or the stress of finding the right suppliers. These ready-to-use platforms come equipped with everything you need to start selling right off the bat. It’s like walking into a fully furnished house – all you have to do is turn the key.
Ready-to-Use: Time is money in the world of business, turn key stores come equipped with pre-designed website layouts, product catalogs, and even pre-configured SEO settings in some cases. This ready-to-use aspect lets you hit the ground running, shortening your path to your first sale.
No Inventory Worries: One of the main perks of dropshipping is that you don’t have to manage any inventory. With prebuilt dropshipping stores, this benefit is further amplified. The stores often come stocked with a selection of products from reliable suppliers, freeing you from the burden of sourcing and managing products yourself.
Drawbacks
Potential Lack of Control: While prebuilt dropshipping stores offer a ready-made solution, they may not provide the same level of control as building a store from scratch. You may have limited customization options or constraints when it comes to product choices, depending on the type of prebuilt store you choose.
Can Be Expensive: The convenience of a prebuilt dropshipping store can come at a higher cost than building a store yourself. This is particularly true for already-running stores, which often command a higher price due to their established sales and customer base.
Risk of Scams: As with any online marketplace, there’s a risk of running into unscrupulous sellers when buying prebuilt dropshipping stores. It’s crucial to do your due diligence to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable seller.
Remember, the key to making the right choice lies in understanding your business needs and goals. With a clear vision and careful consideration, you can turn the challenges of prebuilt dropshipping stores into opportunities for success.
Top 10 Platforms to Buy Ready Made Websites
Here are the top 10 platforms where you can purchase ready-made dropshipping stores, each with its unique offerings:
Fiverr
Fiverr is a popular online marketplace for freelance services where you can find numerous sellers offering prebuilt dropshipping stores. The variety is immense, catering to different niches, budgets, and preferences. Fiverr is particularly great for those on a budget, but remember to check seller ratings and reviews before making a purchase.
Wholesale2b
Wholesale2b is a comprehensive dropshipping platform that offers a range of prebuilt stores. It provides the added advantage of integrated supplier networks and a vast array of products, making it an all-in-one solution for aspiring dropshippers.
Flippa
Flippa is the world’s largest marketplace for buying and selling online businesses, including prebuilt dropshipping stores. From new stores to established ones with a track record of sales, Flippa offers a wide variety of options to choose from.
Upwork
Upwork is a global freelancing platform where you can hire professionals to create custom dropshipping stores. Although it’s not a marketplace for ready-made stores, it’s a great place to find experts who can tailor-make a store to suit your specific needs.
Empire Flippers
Empire Flippers is a leading broker for buying and selling online businesses. It’s an excellent platform for purchasing established prebuilt dropshipping stores with a proven track record. Their rigorous vetting process ensures that you’re buying a legitimate and profitable store.
Sellvia Custom Store
Sellvia Custom Store provides a complete dropshipping solution, offering fully functional prebuilt stores that come loaded with top-selling products. Additionally, they offer marketing services and a quick delivery model, making it an attractive option for beginners.
AliDropship
AliDropship is an excellent platform that specializes in prebuilt dropshipping stores for the AliExpress marketplace. They offer both custom and pre-made stores, and their services include hosting, support, and a range of helpful e-commerce tools.
Dripshipper
Dripshipper is a unique platform that offers stores specializing in coffee. If you’re interested in tapping into the profitable coffee niche, Dripshipper’s prebuilt stores come stocked with a range of coffee products, complete with private labeling.
BigBuy
BigBuy is a leading dropshipping supplier in Europe that also offers prebuilt dropshipping stores. Their stores come preloaded with thousands of products from their extensive inventory, offering a ready-to-go solution for those looking to start selling instantly.
Dropship Launchpad
Dropship Launchpad offers dropshipping with a focus on high-potential niches. Their stores come with winning products, suppliers, and even training on how to run your new store.
Remember, choosing the right platform depends on your individual needs, budget, and business goals. Take time to explore each platform thoroughly before making your decision.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business
Discuss factors to consider when choosing a prebuilt business.
- The cost
- Quality of the website
- Range of products
- Quality of products
- Reputation of the supplier
- Reputation of the website seller
The quality of the products you sell will directly impact your brand reputation and customer satisfaction. Therefore, make sure the products in the prebuilt store come from reliable suppliers. Read reviews, check product ratings, and even consider ordering a sample to assess the product quality yourself.
Reputation of the Supplier
A reliable supplier is crucial in dropshipping. Research the suppliers associated with the prebuilt store. Check their delivery times, return policies, and communication quality. Remember, your supplier’s performance will directly affect your customer service.
Reputation of the Website Seller
Lastly, consider the reputation of the seller or platform offering the prebuilt dropshipping store. Read reviews, check their track record, and ensure they offer post-purchase support. A reputable seller will have transparent practices and be responsive to your queries.
In conclusion, choosing the right prebuilt dropshipping store involves careful evaluation and due diligence. Make sure to align your choice with your business objectives and market understanding.
Advantages Over Starting from Scratch
Imagine you’re about to embark on a road trip. Would you prefer to build your car from scratch or buy one that’s road-ready? The journey of starting a dropshipping business can be similar. While building a store from scratch can offer a sense of accomplishment and control, the benefits of buying a prebuilt dropshipping store often outweigh the DIY approach, especially for beginners. Here’s why:
Time-Efficiency
Creating a dropshipping store from scratch is a time-consuming process, involving tasks like setting up the website, sourcing products, and establishing relationships with suppliers. With a prebuilt dropshipping store, you can bypass these time-consuming steps and start your business operations almost immediately.
Hassle-Free Setup
Building a website with no prior experience can be challenging and often requires a learning curve. With a prebuilt store, you get a professionally designed, ready-to-use website that can save you from the technical headaches.
Pre-Selected Products and Established Supplier Relations
You get a pre-selected range of products, often curated for a specific niche. This eliminates the painstaking process of product research and supplier vetting. You’ll also benefit from established relationships with suppliers, which can take considerable time and effort to build from scratch.
Learning from Past Successes (and Failures)
When you buy a prebuilt store, particularly an already-running one, you’re buying a proven business model. You can learn from the previous owner’s successes and failures to streamline your strategies. This can be invaluable, especially for beginners who are learning the ropes of the dropshipping business.
Support and Training
Many platforms selling prebuilt websites offer post-purchase support and training. This can be an essential resource for those new to dropshipping, providing guidance on running the store, marketing products, and troubleshooting any issues.
In conclusion, while starting a dropshipping store from scratch can be a rewarding endeavor, the benefits of purchasing a prebuilt dropshipping store – including time-efficiency, a hassle-free setup, and valuable support – make it an appealing option, especially for those new to the world of e-commerce.
What to Look Out for (Pain Points)
While purchasing a prebuilt dropshipping store comes with numerous benefits, it’s not without its risks. Here are some things to be cautious about:
Overpriced Stores
Some prebuilt stores might be priced unreasonably high compared to their actual value. The price should reflect the store’s potential profitability, taking into account factors like traffic, sales history, and the quality of the website and products. Conduct thorough due diligence and compare prices across different platforms before making a purchase.
Unrealistic
Be wary of sellers making unrealistic claims about potential earnings, traffic, or the ease of running the business. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Always ask for proof of earnings and traffic before buying.
Poor Website Design and User Experience
A poorly designed website can negatively impact customer experience and conversions. Examine the website’s design, navigation, load times, mobile optimization, and checkout process. Remember, making significant changes to the website design after purchase can add to your costs.
Low-Quality Products or Suppliers
The success of your dropshipping store largely depends on the quality of the products and the reliability of the suppliers. Research the suppliers, check product reviews, and consider ordering a few sample products to verify their quality.
Limited Post-Purchase Support
Some sellers might not offer sufficient support after the sale, which can be challenging for beginners. Ensure the seller provides adequate post-purchase support, including training on how to run the store and assistance with any issues that might arise.
Scams
Unfortunately, scams are not uncommon in the world of prebuilt dropshipping stores. Protect yourself by purchasing from reputable platforms or sellers, checking reviews and ratings, and using secure payment methods.
In conclusion, buying a prebuilt dropshipping store is an investment that should be approached with caution and thorough research. Taking the time to vet potential stores can save you from potential pitfalls and ensure that your dropshipping venture starts on the right foot.
Is It Worth Buying a Prebuilt Dropshipping Store?
The debate on whether to buy a prebuilt dropshipping store or start from scratch is somewhat similar to the classic “buy or build” dilemma in real estate. Both options have their merits, and the right choice ultimately depends on your circumstances, resources, and business goals. Let’s weigh in on the key considerations:
Time and Effort
Starting a dropshipping store from scratch requires time, effort, and a fair share of trial and error. If you’re short on time or lack the technical skills required for setting up a store, buying a prebuilt dropshipping store can be a great shortcut to business ownership. It provides a ready-made platform to start selling right away, saving you from the time-consuming tasks of website development, product selection, and supplier negotiations.
Customization and Control
Starting from scratch allows you to tailor every aspect of your store to your liking, from the design and product selection to the choice of suppliers. However, with a prebuilt store, there might be some limitations in terms of customization. But remember, many prebuilt stores are professionally designed with optimal user experience in mind, and they often come with a pre-selected assortment of products that cater to a specific niche.
Cost
The upfront cost of a prebuilt dropshipping store might be higher than starting from scratch. However, consider the potential cost savings in terms of time and effort, as well as the value of having a ready-to-operate business. Plus, many prebuilt stores come with post-purchase support, which can be invaluable for first-time entrepreneurs.
Learning Curve
Starting from scratch can offer valuable learning experiences that can benefit you in the long run. However, the learning curve can be steep, and mistakes can be costly. Purchasing a prebuilt store, especially an already-running one, allows you to learn from the previous owner’s experiences, both good and bad.
So, is it worth buying a prebuilt dropshipping store? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It largely depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. If you value time-efficiency, convenience, and a smoother start, purchasing a prebuilt dropshipping store could be a great option. However, if you prefer having full control over every detail and are willing to invest the necessary time and effort, building your store from scratch might be the way to go.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of dropshipping can be quite the adventure, but hopefully, this guide has shed some light on the journey ahead. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered.
- Prebuilt dropshipping stores are ready-to-operate online stores that come with a website, pre-selected products, and established supplier relationships.
- There are various types of prebuilt dropshipping stores such as brand-new premade stores, turnkey stores, and already-running premade stores.
- Opting for a prebuilt store offers several benefits including time-efficiency, hassle-free setup, pre-selected products, and post-purchase support. However, there can be drawbacks like less control, potentially higher costs, and the risk of scams.
- Top platforms to buy prebuilt dropshipping stores include Fiverr, Flippa, Upwork, Empire Flippers, and AliDropship among others.
- When choosing a prebuilt store, consider factors like cost, website quality, product range and quality, and the reputation of the supplier and website seller.
- Despite the risks, buying a done for you store can be a worthy investment, especially for those short on time or new to the e-commerce space.
Before you embark on your dropshipping journey, remember that like any business venture, success doesn’t come overnight. Whether you decide to buy prebuilt or build one from scratch, it will require dedication, strategic planning, and continuous learning.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap up our guide, let’s dive into some of the most commonly asked questions:
What is a turnkey dropshipping store?
A turnkey dropshipping store is a fully set up online store that’s ready to start selling products immediately. It comes with a pre-designed website, pre-selected products, and established supplier relationships.
Which is the best dropshipping platform?
The “best” dropshipping platform can vary depending on your business needs and personal preferences. However, platforms like Shopify, AliDropship, and BigCommerce are often recommended due to their robust features and ease of use.
How to start a Shopify dropshipping business?
Starting a Shopify dropshipping business involves several steps, including choosing a niche, finding a supplier, setting up your Shopify store, adding products, and promoting your store. Shopify also integrates with numerous dropshipping apps, which can simplify the process.
Is it worth buying a Shopify dropshipping store?
Buying a Shopify dropshipping store can be worth it if you’re looking for a ready-to-operate business and want to save time on setup. However, it’s crucial to do thorough research and due diligence before making a purchase.
Can you lose money with dropshipping?
Like any business, dropshipping comes with risks, and it’s possible to lose money, especially if you don’t manage costs effectively or if your products don’t sell. However, with careful planning, market research, and effective marketing strategies, you can mitigate these risks and increase your chances of profitability.
What are some good dropshipping tips?
Some tips for successful dropshipping include choosing a profitable niche, offering high-quality products, providing excellent customer service, optimizing your website for conversions, and using effective marketing and SEO strategies to drive traffic to your store.
Is a general dropshipping store profitable?
A general dropshipping store—selling a wide range of products—can be profitable, but it can also be more challenging due to the broad competition. Many dropshippers find success by focusing on a specific niche, which allows them to target a more defined audience.
Is dropshipping still worth it in 2023?
Yes, dropshipping can still be a profitable business model in 2023, especially with the continued growth of e-commerce. However, like any business, it requires strategic planning, hard work, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation.
What are the worldwide dropshipping business opportunities?
Dropshipping provides numerous opportunities on a global scale. With the ability to sell to customers around the world, dropshippers can tap into international markets, diversify their product offerings based on regional trends, and adjust their strategies to cater to different cultures and consumer behaviors.
I hope this FAQ section has answered your key questions about prebuilt dropshipping stores. Remember, the dropshipping journey is a learning experience, so stay curious, keep asking questions, and never stop learning!
What’s the next step for you?